Method of and apparatus for centrifugally casting metal bodies



March 15, 1927.

W. D. MOORE ET AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CENTRIFUGALLY CASTING METAL BODIES 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR 1% I 014/ A0, Glam/v Filed Dec. 20

ATTORNEYS 'I 1,620,830 March 15,1927. w. n MOORE ET AL I 1 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CENTRIFUGALLY CASTINGMETAL BODIES Filed Dec. 20. 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet; 2

, I "we TOR 1 ATTORNEYS 1,620830 Mafrch 15,1927. Ln-MOOREH AF v 7,

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR GENTRIFUGALLY CASTING METAL BODIES Filed Dec. 20. 1923, *5 sheets-sheet s ATTORNEY$ Y 1182 0 830 t 1927' w. o, MOORE ET AL 7 METHOD OF ANDAPPIARATUS FORDCENI'RIVFUGALVLY CASTING METAL BODIES Filed oec.'2o. 1923 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 I INVENT R pa r2 A'ITORNEYS 1,620,830 March 1927 w. D. MOORE ET AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS'FOR CENTRIFUGALLY CASTING METAL BODIES Fil ed Dec; 20.1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Levelli g o4 malt! Pouring Operahou Wail/i234 ATTORNEYS during a part ofthe levelling by then increasing the speed of t e mold to m te lVlai'. 15,,1921.

.J' 3 PATENT oFFlcE;

wlimnm p. 'mooan annwamrnn MORGAN, or mmtmonam, Atalanta, assmn'oas,v BY nnsrm nssrenmsnrs, 'ro SAND sum rnrnms conrona'rron, or new Yong,

N. Y., A COBPOItATQlON OF DELAWARE.

' METHOED'OF AND APPARATUS FOR CENTRIIUGALLY CASTING VHETAL BODIES.

Application filed December 20, 1923. Serial No. 881,702.

I This invention relates to the art of making metal castings, and more particularl "to at method of and apparatus for centri ugally casting ho llow metal bodies such for example 5 as ferrous pipe; andhas special reference to theprovision of improvements in the method and ap aratus, disclosed in the application of 622,082 filed March 1, 1923, now Patent No.

' 1,471,052 of Oct. 16, 1923, and the method and apparatus disclosed in the co ending application'of William D. Moore an Walter- Morgan, 'Ser. No. 656,180 of August 7, 1923.

The principal object of the present inven- 4 tion resides in the production ofan improved centrifugal casting machine and of an improved method of operating the same in which acasting. operation may be efl'ected in a simplified manner with an increased efliciency and economy.

More specific objects of our present invention comprehend the provision of an improved methodyof-controlling the speed of rotation of a'rotary' or centrifugal mold, of charging the mold with molten metal and imparting to the same a movement supple- I mentary: to therotary movement for ef fecting'or producing an even distribution of the metal in the mold while changing and predetermining the speeds of rotation thereof; the further provision of. an improved 1 method in, which the supplementary movement of the mold which consists of the levelling of the mold from an inclined to a horizontal position is carried out. while first rotating the mold at a rePatively low speed eriod and a relatively high speed during'another and subsequent part of the levelling period; the still further provision of an improved method in which the mold is .char ed with molten metal during the time-of thedevelling operation ;and the production of, apparatus by which these steps may be carried out with comparative easeand facility To the accomplishment o the foregoing and such other objects as may hereinafter appear, our-inventlon consists in-the methods, the steps and the-elements and their relation one-to the other as hereinafter 841'? ticularly described and sought to "be de' companying drawings which. show; a preilliam D. Mo ore, .Ser. No.-

-. operation,

inthe claims, reference being had to'theae of the casting operation,

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the same taken in cross-section on the line 2'2,-Fig. 1, Fi s. 3 to .5 are fragmentary views-of the pouring .end of the casting machine showing" the same in successive stages of a casting Fi 6. to 8 are fragmentary views of the spec control end of the casting machine s ow ng the same' in successive stages of a casting operatiomand' Fig. 9 is a graphical view showing 'the inter-relation between the operation of the mold, the controlling of the "speed thereof, and the pouring of the metal in the casting operation,

As disclosed in the aforementioned application Serial No. 622,082, the method of oentrifugally casting hollow metal .L bodies to which the present invention appertains in-' eludes the steps of char ing'a rotary mold with molten metal and 0% coordinately opeif ating the mold by imparting thereto a motion supplemental to the rotary motion thereof while the molten-metal is still in a fluid state so as to effecta uniform distribution of metal in themold to produce a uniform 5 and homogeneous casting. More specificall in the practice of this method a rotary mol d is charged with molten metal and is moved from a position inclined to the horizontal to I a substantially horizontal position while the metal is still in a molten state or condition. a In accordance with this invention, the apparatus which is employed for carrying out i the steps pf the method preferably comprises, a mold su ported for movement between in clined and horizontal positions with means for moving the mold to the horizontal position during a poliring operation andreferring generally to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawmgs, the said-a paratus referablycomprisesiw a frame or be 10 whic may be a unitary castin reniovably supporting a rotary mold genera 1yv designated as 11, the said frame being movable between inclined and horizontal positions, about an axis preferably v adjacent one endof the bed, the bed, being to this end provided with thetgunnions 12 journa'lled in spaced. bearings 13 on both v .65. represented by the on the sides of the machine, the said bearings being securely bolted to spaced concrete piers 14 on both sides of the machine,- the movement of the bed being guided by means of the spaced guide Standards 15 mounted on and secured to the foundation 16.

The mold 11 preferably comprises a refractory rotary mold which includes a flask '17 having a plurality of perforations -18 l0 distributed over the body of the same and forming vent holes for the gases and steam generated during a casting operation, the said flask being provided. with a refractory lining such as the moist sand lining 19 preferably surfaced with a facing 20 (see Fig. I 2 of the drawings). The mold 11 is rotated by means of a driving means 21 which preferably comprises an electric motor mounted on the bed 10 at the pivotal end thereof, the said motor being -preferably 'arranged c0- ,axially with the mold 11 for movement to and from the mold to permit the coupling and uncoupling of the motor, as will be described more in .detail hereinafter.

As heretofore mentioned, one of the prii1 cipal objects of our present invention relates to the provision of an improved method of operating the mold and of imparting a supp ementary movement thereto while the metal is in the fluid .state, the improved method consisting in the control of thespeed of rotation of the rotary mold and more ecificallyin 'the' changing and predtermming of the s eeds of rotation thereof, and in the coor mating of such speedv control with the steps of charging the mold and of imparting to the same the supplementary movement. The improved steps in the method are shown raphically in 9 of the drawings,-in w ichthe control of the speed of the mold is shown related to the pouring operation and to the ste 'of level- -inc ed to the horizontal position, the graph representing the speeds of rotation of the mold with time as the. abscissa and speed as the ordinate. For. purposes of explicit description; we have denoted the actual ds of operation and the relative time factors, this data applying more particularly to the production of six-inch pipe, audit will be understood that the relative'times and speeds. are given bfyway of illustration only and not by way 0 limitation, and may bevaried with considerable latitude for different size pipes.

Refer' in carrying out the steps of the method t e mold is first moved to a position inclined to? the horizontal and is thenstarted revolving at a low speed as ;re resented by 'thedi'ne am a; Fig. 9- .01 the 'drawngs,

or the" pouring may commence as the mold is started revolving, and the mold is continued at the low speed of rotation as shown by the line A B during the pouring operation. After the greater part of the metal has been delivered into the mold, and more specifically after of the time of the pouring operation, the speed of rotation of the mold is increased as represented by the line BC until the mold reaches a relatively high speed, which forsix-inch pipe may be approximately 900 R. P. M., the saidmaxi mum' 'speed being attained within a second or two after the termination of the pouring operation, the maximum speed being indicated by the point D on the line B-Q'D. In "accordance with our present improved process, movement of the mold from the inclined to, 'the horizontal or level position,

takes place during the ouring operation and substantially coextensive therewlth, thls being depicted in the graph by the line J -K being equal to and coextensive with the line XZ; In the .practice of the method the levelling of the mold and the pouring oper- 'ationmay for the-example given consume aboutten seconds, during whichtime the mold. is rotated at the relatively lowspeed for about six or seven seconds and the speed of the mold is increased from the low to the p relatively high speed during the period of about three or four seconds.

Immediately after the high speed of rov 'ta'tion has been reached, the speedof' rotation of. the mold is rapidly reduced to an intermediate speed,.such for exam leas 600 R. P. M., as represented by the line. D-E,

at which speed the moldiisallowed. toreaiproximatel one minute as indicated by e line E i The speed of the mold may then be reduced to about 500 R. P. M., as indicated by the line' F-G,

the mold or moving the mol from the and this speed is maintained for a proximinute as shown by t e' hne mately one GH, after which the speed is reduced from the machine, the time ofrunning the moldat the medium d being generally designated by the line 'L, after which the speed is-reduced and the machine stopped, as indicated by the line L-N.

It'will thus be seen that in the practice at a'-"'relatively low speed while in the inclined-position, and the mold is then moved from: the 'inclined to the substantially horizonta'l or level position, and during such levr O-A, andfor sixinc pipe this may: elling the mold is operated by first contin to about 100 revolutions; per ".i'The of the. metal then commencesas L ping the, rotation'of the same at a relatively w speedduring a part such'as 757 of theflev ellingperiod, and by then incl-aging. 1

of this method the mold is started rotating the speed. of rotation of the same to a relatively high speed during the remainder of the levelling period, after'which the speed is reduced in steps to a medium speed and 1 maintained thereat until the metal congeals.

It will be further evident that in the practice of this metlfod the pouring operation iscarried out during the levelling of the mold, and that about three-quarters of the pouring of the metal is effected while the mold is rotating at the relatively low speed, the remainder of the pouring operation being carried on while the speed ofthe mold is being increased- It has been found that this control of the speeds and these interrelations of the speed of the mold with thelevellingfof the same. and the pouring of the metal produces no'tonly eflicient casting results, but permits of the utilization of simple automatic apparatus for carrying out'the process. I

The apparatus We 1) practicing ,the speed control steps of the method,comprises mechanism which is in part automatically and in part manually operated to permit a control of the same with working precision by means of unskilled labor. More specifically, we provide apparatus constructed for controllingthespeeds automatically in the initial stages of the casting operation such as during the pouring and levelling steps, and for permitting manual control of the speeds in the latter stages ,such as during the-congealing-of the metal and the cooling of the casting.

The apparatus we prefer to employ for automatically and manually controlling the speeds is shown particularly in Figs 1 and 6 to 8 of the drawings, this apparatus preferably comprising a motor controller 22' located at a remote control station generally designated as S, they said motor controller being connected to the main line 23 controlled by means of the manually operable switch 24, the. said controller being electrically connected to the motor 21 by means of the connecting line generally designated as 25. Cooperating with the controller and more particularly with the lever 26 thereof, we provide means which is preferably operated by movement .of the bed 10 for actuating the controller lever at a predetermined point of the levelling of the mold to increase the speed of rotation of the motor 21, the

said means being so constructed that during the first part ofthe levelling step, the

1 speed ;of rotation of themold is maintained at the relatively low speed as heretofore mentioned and the speed of rotation .of the mold is increased during the later stage of the evening-thereof. I The said'means' ref; erably' com rises an operating arm 27 attached tot bed -at the motor end thereof,

thesaid arm 27".being connected to a link 28 by means ofa pinjand slot mechanism 29,

refer to provide for the said link 28 being in turn. connected to tion of these-parts being such that the bed 10 may be moved from a horizontal to an inclined position without moving the handle 34, and such that when the bed is moved in the reverse direction, that is from the inclined to the horizontal position, the hendle 34: is operated at a predetermined point of the levelling of the mold to increase the speedof the mold, the association being fur- I thermore such that after the levelling of the bed and the mold thereon; the speed of the mold may be thereafter manually controlled as heretofore described.

, This association is shown in S. 6' to 8 of the drawings, Fig, 6 showing t e bed 10 in the horizontal position, Fig. 7 showing 'the same inthe inclined position prior o a casting operation, and Fig. 8 showing the same in 'the horizontal position after'the' levelling step; When the casting machine 1S ll1 the horizontal position as shown in Fig. 6, the control lever 26 is positioned so that when the mainrline switch '24,'which is normallyopen as shown, is closed, a pre-' determine low speed of operation is effected such as 100 R. P. M. in the illustration above given. In Fig; 6 the lever 26 is fixed relatively to the dial 35 so as to ,obtain this predetermined low speed. As the bed 10' is moved from the horizontal position shown in Fig. (Site the inclined position shown in Fig. 7 b .means; which will he described in detail ereinafter, the operating arm first moves downwardly about the pivotal axis 12, and due to the pin and slot connection 29-'the first stage of the downward movement of the operating arm 27 has no effect on the lever 30, the last stage of movement of the operating arm,

however, being' effective for moving the lever some the operating link 32 downwardlygcausing the loop 33 in' this link to slide along the; control lever handle 34 without impartifin any motion to the same, the adjustment og'the operating link being such that, just as'i ithe machine attains .its redeterminedrinclined position, the shou der 36 drops inlunderjthe. control lever handle 34, as clearlyshown in Fig. 7 of the draw ings. Asrbefore indicated, the adjustment of the 'lever 26 is such that in thisposition of theioperating link 32 the control leveris located in a predetermined position toeause the motor 21 to revolve the mold ata low:

speed at approximately.100 R. P. M..'1n he example given. This predetermined low speedway be varied, however, bymeans of the adjpstable connection between thel-ink 1 position shown in Fig. 7 to that shown in Fig. 8. During this'le'velling or lowering step the 0 crating arm 27 moves a predetermined istance without afiec'ting the operation of the controller 22, this being due to the pin and slot loose connection 29 between the operating arm 27 and the link 28. When, however, the levelling of the mold reaches the point Bin the graph heretofore described, the link 28, the lever 30 and the operating link 32 areoperated to move the controller handle from the position shown in *Figl 7 to that shown-in Fig. 8, increasing the speed of rotation of the mold to the relatively high speed. v

Immediatel after the machine reaches the horizontapo'sition, the operator manuallyshifts the link'32 about its pivot to disengage the shoulder-36 of the loop 33 from the underneath side of the control lever handle 34 and then rotates. the handle to slow down the speed of the motor in steps as, heretofore .described in connection with the graph of Fig. 9 of the drawings until finally the control lever is returned to the position shown in Fig. 6, after which the main line motor switch 24 is openedand the machine stopped. The flask is' then removed from the machine and another one inserted and the operationfis ready to be lowering operation of the machine-in arepeated.

If desired, a. speed indicator 37 connected by means of the lines 38 to the' generator. 39 may be provided for'indicating the exact speeds attained,- the said gen orator 39 being suitably connected by means 40 to be-operated by t exmotofr21. In this construction it will therefore be seen ,that

the critical points of changing speeds and the exact. speeds desired are automatically obtained, and are synchronized with the simple and eflicient manner.

For moving the'bed 10 and the ar s carried thereby between the tilted an the-hori-' zontal positions, we provide a fluid operated means which is described and claimed 'in our copendin'g a plication for method of,

and apparatus or centrifugally casting metal'bodies, Serial No.-656-,180, filed Aug. 7, 1923, the said 'fluid operated means generally'comprising. one or more hydraulic cylinders 41, one of which is' shown in Fig. I

1 of theidrawings; firmly planted on the foundation 16 at the. pourin end" of the machine each h draulic cylin er being provided with an operating plunger 42 having a roller 43=at its .upper end engaging the bed 10,as-clearl shown in Fig.- 1 of the drawings.

The yd-raulic cylinder or cyltrack mechanism 1,eao,sao

making of another casting. For the trans fer of the molds in and out of the casting machine we preferably employ'the apparatus which is described LEI 1d claimed in our above mentioned copending application, the said apparatus generaly comprising a mold elevating means in theform of a plurality of elevating track rails 44 (see Figs. 1 and 2 each pivotally mounted at one end on a standard 45 and provided'at the other end with a mold embracing portion 46, said track railsbeing movable from an inclined descended position-shown in Fig. 2to an.

elevatedhoriz'ontal' or. level position, a stop bolt 47 pivotally attached to the rail mechanism and provided with a head 48 for en. gaging the underneath wall of. the bed 110 being provided for limiting the upward movement of the trackrails to the straight level or horizontal position, this position being desired so that the molds may"v with equal facility be rolled fromthe machine to the track railsand from the rails to the machine. The molds may be removed from the rails 44 to acar 49 movable on the track rails 50 or by any othermeans such as by a a crane or overhead trolley. I

The means for operating the elevating I operated meay w ich maybe controlled by the operator t the station s, the saidfiuid operated means being conveniently carried by so as to be movable with the bed 10. This is shown generally in Figs. 1 and 2 of referably comprises fluid.

the drawings as comprising the spaced hydraulic cylinders 51, 51, one for each elevating rail, each cylinder being securely attached -ot the bed 10 as by means of the securing bolts 52. To the said cylinders .are connected the hydraulic branch" lines :53, which inturnare connected 'to a control line (notshown). runnin 'to'theloperating station S and controlled y means of. a hydraulic .valve operable by theoperator at said station, these parts forming no part of our present invention, the same. being disclosedfand claimed in the above men-- draulic cylinders 51 are operable for caus terminal roller 55. cooperating with a pro jecting portion 56 which may. be ,formed integrally with a track rail 44 for vefl'ecting' the elevating and lowering ofthe same. I

. For efiiciently supporting the"'m'old for I rotation of the casting fmachine while per- 'tioned copending application. These hymittiing a quick interchange of molds and for protectively housing the mold durin a' casting operation, we( preferably provide the roller supporting means set forthin the above mentioned copending application,-

When a filled mold is to be removed from the casting machine and a newly-prepared mold to be replaced therefor, the hood 61 is moved toan elevated position and in'the preferred construction this is accomplished simultaneously with the operation of the elevating rails 44, referably by means of 25 rollers 64 journalle at the ends of curved extensionarms 65 which are attached to the elevating rails 44, the construction being- I such that when the plungers 54 are operated to cause the elevation of the lifting rails 44, the rollers 64 ride in engagement with the inner wall of the'hood and raise the,

same from the 'positionshown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings'to an elevated position to permit the rolling out of he mold. When a new mold is rolled into the casting machine the reverse operation of the plungers causes the simultaneous lowering of the' lifting rails 44 and the hood 61 to the po-' gs 1 and 2, as will be i 17 as heretofore-mentioned, and to this end. a coupling means is provided which preferably 'com-prises a male coupling member 66 keyed or otherwise attache'dfio the motor shait 67 and receivable by a female conand uncoupling of the motor being eliected by the axial'movement of the motor, the

latter being. to this end mounted on a slida-' able ladle 70 carried in .aframa7l provided pling member 68 which conveniently forms the end plate of the mold 11, the coupling.

drawings, said'apparatus comprising a tilt-.'

with the two sets of trunnions 72 and 73 seated in a rocker frame 74 forming part of a ladle mountin 75, the said mounting being suitably attac. ed to the end fplate 76 i of the,hood '61. The end plate 7 6 also car- .ries a mounting 77 for the runner box lor. pou ing spent 78, which runner box preferab y consists of an all cast iron construction provided with a replaceable wearihg" shoe 79ffor taking up the cutting action that may take place during apourin-g operation.

or operating the ladle during the level ling of the machine, we'provide g mechanism which may comprise an-angle lever 80 desirably fulcru'med on the bracket 81 arranged approximately on the floor level, the said lever including an arm adapted to be engaged by a leg 82. forming part of the. bed 10 and an arm 80 to which is adjustably connected a link 83, the said link being adjustably receivable in any one of the apertures 84 rovided in the arm 80 the upper end, of 't is link being pivotally" connected by means of the in 85 to a dependingarm' 86 fixed to the la le frame 71. Referring now to Figs. 3 to 5 of the draw.- ings, we show the sequential steps of the pouring operation. In the position shown iniFigr 3, the link 83 is disconnectedfrom the depending arm 86 so that the ladle. 70

attachedto the arm 86 of the ladleframe,

and the lever 80 assumes the fullline posias is caused. to assume the erect .or vertical p'otion'shown in said figure ready fonthedevel- I ling and pouring vsteps. The castin from the osition shown in Fig. 4 to that shown in" ig. 5, the lever 80 moving from the full line to the dotted line position of -'Fi 4 and assuming the full line position of Figh, the operation being such that, the ladle 70 1stilted from theq erect position to the metal expelling position," as ,will be, apparent, the pouring of the etal. into the runner box 78 and into the mold ll'being thus .Illfldfi coextensive with the levelling'of the machine. After this operationthe link' 83 is disconnected from the arm 8, and the ladle returned to the erect position permitting the same to be'cleaned and recharged; 7 .W'ith the provision o flthis construction we are. enabled to locate the ladle iii-such a posi- :tion withfreference to the runner qbox or pouring spout as "to producea, .mininmm ma chine isthen moved as heretofore described.

dro in the stream from the li er, the ladle to t e bottom of ithe spout, tiu'syreducing the cuttingaction of the metal ;.on :the reside and towardsthe topof the ladle, this machine furthermore provides opportunity placeable shoe in the runner, and as to effect,

moreover, a reduction of the pitch or range of the metal stream in the pouring of the same. With our present construction, more.- over, the ladle mstead of pivoting on a trunnion located at the center .of gravity thereof, tilts on. a trunnion materially to one creating a very stable condition and insuring a steady movement'of the metal during the .pouring operation, thiseliminating furthermore any danger or liability of the ladle becoming top-heavy and upsett'able;

By mounting the ladle on the bed of the machine the elevation of the ladle is con-' siderably reduced, and since the ladle is charged in the horizontal position of the machine as shown in Fig; 3, the trolley ladle may be maintained at a desirable working height. The mounting of .the ladle on the to properly dress the ladles between casts,

shown in Figs; 1 and 2. The motor 21 is' then coupled to the mold and the runner box' 78 which is longitudinally movable in the mounting 77 is then moved into position with the pouring spout thereof projecting into the pouring opening of the mold. The ladle 70 is then given its charge of molten metal, after which the link 83 isconnected into the mold, as shown in to the ladle frame arm 86. The operator at the station S thenefi'ects the elevation of the bed and mold to the inclined position shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 7. The same operator then closes the switch 24 which starts the motor running and the mold rotating at the low speed and then effects. the levelling of the casting machine by operating the hydraulic cylinder 41. The lowering of the machine is effected gradually and relatively slowly,

the movement of the machine to the hori-- zontal producing .the pourin of the metal igs. 3 to 5 of the drawin s. 'After about three-quarters has been completed.

- tained of the meta pouring and mold tilting takes place, the motor controller 22 is operated to increase th=speed of the machine toarelativel hi speed the hi h s d, bein oby slistantial l' wher i th liiold reEches the horizontal the/pouring operation After we mom-"mamas "ani al care and maintenance of the machine beingthereby considerably facilitated. v v

The manner of practicing our improved the casting is cooled sufliciently to stopp position, the speed of the motor 21 is controlled to reduce the speed of the mold in steps, and, the same is finally brought td a halt, after whichthe mold is removed for replacement by a new mold for a repetition of this cycle of operation.

While we have described our method and shown our apparatus in the preferred manner and form, it will be obvious that many the making of-an eight-inch pipe the mold will first berotated at a predetermined speed of 250 or 300 R, P. M. instead of 100 R. P.

M.-above described, which speed is maintained during the major part of the casting operation, and immediately thereafter the speedis increased to about 800 R. P. M., such speed being maintained for about five to -ten seconds, after-which the speed is gradually reduced back to 500 or ,600 R.

M., where it is allowed to continue untilthe machine and discharge the mold. or a four-inch pipe the speeds may be again varied, and we have found that for this size pipe the initial speed of the machine should be relatively low, the rotation .be' reduced to a point of simply goosing t e motor sufliciently to roll the flask. over several times during the casting operation, and this may not amount to more than 10 R.-P. M., after which the speed is increased to a high speed. Other numerous changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention defined 1n the" following claims.

We claim:

1. In the art of centrifugally casting hollow metal *bodies, the method which consists in charging a mold with molten metal, in moving {same from a position inclined to the horizontal to a substantially horizontal or level position, and in operating the'mold i during the levelling thereof by first rotating the same'lat-Ta relatively low speed during a partloflithe levelling. period .and by .then

increasing the-speed of-rotation of the same, durinlg another part of the levelling period.

the method of centrifugally casting hollow metal bodies in a rotary mold movable 'from' a tilted to 'a substantially horizonta'lfor level position, the steps of levelling themold while a metal charge therein is still in a fluid condition and of operating the mold during the levelling thereof 1 by first rotating the same ata. relatively lowispeed during a part of-the levelling. periodandby then increasing the of rotation;

of thelsame during another part of theleve'h ling p eriod.

. the niethod' offcentri g ul -hollow metal bodies in a rotary mold movable from a tilted to a substantially horizontal or level osition, the steps of simultaneously levelling the mold and charging the same with molten metal and of operating the mold during the levelling thereof by first rotating the same at a relatively low speed for a part of the levelling period and bythen increasing the speed of rotation thereof for another part of the levelling period. v

- 4. In the art of centrifugally casting'hollow metal bodies, the method which consists in rotating a mold at a relatively low speed while the mold is in a position inclined to the horizontal, in introducing molten m tal into the mold at the elevated. end thereo in moving the mold from its inclined to irsubstantially horizontal or levelposition while the metal is still in a fluid condition, in continuing the rotation of the mold at the relatively low speed for a part of the levelling period of the mold, and in then increasing the speed of rotation of the mold.

5. The method of centrifugally casting hollow metal bodies of claim 4 iniwhich the increasing of the speed of rotation of the mold is produced during another part of the levelling period of the same.

w operating the mold during the levelling thereof by first continuing the rotation of the same at the relatively low speed for a part of the levelling period and by then increasing the speed 015 rotation of'the same.

'during another part ofthe levelling period.

' 7. In the art' of centrifugally casting hollow metal bodies, the method which consists in charging a mold with molten metal, in

moving the same from a positioninclined to the horizontal to a substantially horizontal or level osition, and in operating the-mold during tlielevelling thereof by first rotating the same at a relatively low speed for about three-quarters of the levelling period and by -=tl 1'en increasing the speedof rotation of theperiod.

same during the remainder of the levelling s. Iii the art of centrifugally cas in B61 low metal bodies," the method which con- .clined the horizontah-inmoving" the mold from its inclined to a substantiaill horl- I zontal or level position, in'chargin'g t "efiriold' sists in rotating a mold-at. a relatively low speed while the mold is in a positiongim with molten metal during-the levelling there of, and in operating the mold duringthe levelling thereof by first continuing the rotation of the same at the relatively low speed for about three-quarters of the levelling period and by then increasing the speed of rotation of the same during the remainder of the levelling period. I

9. In the art of centrifugally casting hollow metal bodies, the method which consists in charging a mold with molten metal, in

moving the same from a position inclined to the horizontal to a substantially horizontal or level position, in operating themold during the levelling thereof by first rotating the same at a relatively low speed during a partof the levelling period and by thenincreasing the speed of rotation ofthe same to a relatively high speed during another part of the levelling period, and in thereafter gradually decreasing the speed of rotation of the mold.

10. In the art of centrifugally casting.

hollow metal bodies, the method which consists in charging a mold with molten metal,

, in moving thesame from a position inclined ,to the horizontal to a substantially horizontal or level position, in operating the'mold during the levelling thereogf-by first rotatingthe same at a relatively low speed during a part of the levelling eriod and by then increa sing the speed of to a relatively high speed during another part of the levelling-period, and in then re.-

rotation of 'the same tating the mold at a medium speed until the v metal assumes a congealed state. f

- 11'. In the art of centrifugally casting I hollow metalbodies, the method which consists in charging a mold with molten metal, in moving the samefrom a position inclined-to the horizontal to. a substantially horizontal or level position, in operating the mold during the levelling thereof by first rotating the same at a relatively lowspeed during a part of the levelling period and by then increasing the speed of rotation of the same to a relatively high speed durin another part of the levelling period, an in then reducing the speed of rotation of themold in steps toa medium speed and continuing the said medium speed until the metal assumes a congealed state."

12. In the art of centrifugally basting hollow metal bodies, the method which con sists in rotating a mold at a relatively low speed while the inold is in a position inclined itsiiiclinedto a substantially horizdntal or levelposition, in chargin the mold with molten metal durin the levelling thereof, .in operating the mo d during the levelling thereof by firstcoiitinuing the rotation of .the same at the relatively low Speed. fora partof the levelling period and by then-increas ng the speed 0 rotation of the-same to ar'elatively high speed during another to thehorizontal, in moving the mold from partof the :levelling period andin thereafterldecl easing the speed of rotation of the'moldto the medium speedand maintaining the same at the medium speed until the metal congeals.

13. In the art of centrifugally casting hollow metal bodies, the method which consists in inclining a rotary mold, in moving the mold from its inclined to a substantially horizontal or level position, and in hollow metal bodies in a rotary mold movable-from a tilted to a substantially horizontal position, the step, ofdelivering a full charge of metal into the mold during the time of movement thereof from the tilted 'to the substantially horizontal position.

15. In the art of centrifugally casting hollow metal bodies, the method which con- -sists in rotating a mold at-a relatively low speed, in imparting to the mold a further 'movement other than a rotary. movement, in

operating the mold during such further movement by first continuing the rotation of the same at the relatively lowspeed for ,11 period of time and by then increasing the;

speed of rotation of the same, and in cha1'gg the mold with molten metal during such further movementthereof.

1 16. In the art of; centrifugally casting hollow metalbodies, the method which consists .in rotating a-mold, in imparting to the 4 mold a further movement other than a rotary movement for a givemperiod of time ing part of the said peripd.

while a metal charge therein is-s'till in a fluid state, and in operatingthe mold during such further movement by first rotating the same-at "a relatively low speed during the greater-part of-the said period of such movement-and by then increasing the speed of rotation of the same during the remain,-

17. Inltheart of centrifugally casting hollow metal bodies, the method-which con;

' sists in. rotating a mold,'in imparting to the mold for a given period an axial tilting movement, and in deliveringmolten metal into the mold to charge the same duringjthe said period- 18. the art of centrifugally casting hollowmetalbodies, the method which consists in rdtatmg aJnold in'imparting to the mold for a 'g1ven period an axial tilting movement, andin dellvering molten 7 metal into the mold to charge the same during the said period, the-periodjofdelivery of the metal being bstantially co extensive with' said given period. 19. An apparat s for centrifugallycasting hollow metal bodies comprisingxa rotary mold mountedffdr' levelling movement be tween inclined and substantially horizontal positions, mechanism for moving the mold from the inclihed to the substantially horizontal position, and means for rotat ng the mold at a given speed during part of the period of such levelling movement and for increasing the speed of rotation of the mold during another part of the levelling period:

-20. An apparatus for centrifugally casting hollow metal bodiescomprisi'ng a rotary refractory moldmounted for levelling movement between inclined and substantially horizontal positions, mechanism for moving the mold from the inclined to: the substantially horizontal position, and means for rotating the mold at a given speed during part of the period of such levelling movement and for increasing the speed of rota tion of the mold during another part of the.

levelling period.

21. An apparatus for 'centrifugally .casting hollow metal bodies comprising a rotary mold and instrumentalities tor'uniiormly distributing a charge of molten metal.

means for rotating the mold and mechanism 7 for imparting to the mold a movement sup plemental to the rotary movement, the said means being oper'ativefor rotating the mold at a givenspeed during part of the period of such supplemental movement and for increasing the speed of the mold during an-.

other part of such period. I L

22. An apparatus for centrifugally casting hollow metal bodies comprising a rotary:

mold mounted for levelling movement be-- tween inclined and'substantially horizontal pesitions', means for. rotating. the mold, mechanis'm, for movin the mold from the inclined to the substant ally horizontal position, and means-o erated at a predetermined point of the levelling 'moyement pf the mold for increasing the speedof rotation thereof.

23. An apparatus for centrifugally cast-' ing,hollow metal bodies comprising .a rotary mold mounted for levellin'g'movement between inclined andxsubstantially horizonml positions, mechanism for-moving the mold from the inclined to the substantially the mold at a given speed during part. of the period of such levelling movement and horizontal position, and means for rotatingi for increasing the speed of rotation of the I mold during another part of the levelling period, said means being operatedby the levelling movement of the mold to effect the increasing of the speed'thereofi,

24.- An'. apparatus for 'centrifugally cast -i ing hollow metal bodies comprising aro- ,tary -mold I mounted for levelling movement between inclined ,and substantially hori "zontal positions, means' for rotating the mold, mechanism formoving' the ,molJf m .the inclined to the substantially; h ri position, and means operative f jn ing the speed of rotation of the mold during the latterpart of the levelling period thereof. v

25. An apparatus for centrifuga'lly casting hollow metal bodies comprising a rotary mold mounted for levelling movement between inclined and substantially horizontal positions, means for rotating the mold at a relatively low speed, mechanism for moving the mold from the inclined to the substantially horizontal position and means effective for permitting the rotation of the mold at the relativelylow speed during a partofthe levelling period thereof and for increasing the speed of rotation of the mold during another part of the said levelling period.

26: An apparatus for centrifugally casting hollow metal bodies comprising a mold, means for rotating the same at, a relatively low speed, mechanism for imparting to the same an axial tilting movement supplemental to the rotary movement for a given period, and means efl'ective for permitting the rotation of the mold at the relatively .low speed during a part of the period of the, said supplemental movement and for increasing the speed of rotation-of the mold during another part of the said period.

27. An apparatus for centrifugally 'casting hollow bodies comprising a rotary'mold, a support therefor movable (between inclined and substantially horizontal or level positions, mechanism for rotating the mold, means for controlling the s eed of rotation of said mechanism, and lin age mechanism connecting said support and said means and operative for automatically effecting an increase in the speed of rotation of the mold during the latter part of the levelling movement of the mold.

I 28. An apparatus for centrifugally casting hollow bodies comprisin a rotary mold, a support therefor movable between in-- clined and substantially horizontal or level .positions, mechanism for rotatingthe mold at a relatively low speed? means for con-' trolling the speed of rotatibn of said mechanism, and linkage mechanism connecting said support and said meansand operative for permitting rotation of the mold at said movement of the same and for automaticalg ,ly 'efi'ecting an increase-in the speed of ro- 5 r tation "of themold during the latter part of the' levelling movement of the-mold.

29. An apparatus for centrifugally casting'hollow metal bodies comprising a .ro-

tary mold mounted for levelling movement between inclined and substantially horizon tal. positions, mechanism for moving the mold from the-inclined tothe substantiallyhorizontal position, 'means for rotating themold at a given speed during part of the per od ef "such-ievelhng movement and; ion

30. An apparatus for centrifugally cast ing hollow metal bodies comprising a rotary mold mounted for levelling movement be-' tween inclined and substantially horizontal positions, means for rotating. the mold, mechanism for moving the mold from the inclined to the substantially horizontal position, means operated. at a predetermined point of the levelling movement of the mold for increasing the s eed of rotation thereof, and means operate by the levelling movement of the mold for chargin the same with molten metal duringsue levelling movement. a 31. An apparatus for centrifugally casting hol'ow metal bodies comprising a rotary mold mounted for levelling movement between inclined and substantially horizontal positions, means for rotating the mold, mechanism for moving-the mold from the inclined to the substantially horizontal position, means operative for increasing the,

means for rotating the same mec anism for imparting to the same a movement supplemental to the rotary movement for a given period, means controlled by said supplement al movement to cause the rotating means to rotate the mold at the relativelylow speed during a part of the period of the'said supplemental movementand means for caiu'sin therotatingmeans to increase the speed o rotation of the mold during another part ofthe said period, and means for charging v the mold durin said given period.

33'. ,A centri ugal' casting apparatus'comprising a rotary mold mounted for 'move-, ment between inclined and substantially horizontal positions, means for rotating the mold and mechanism for moving the mold from I the inclined to'thesubstantiallyhorizontal low speed for the first part of the levelling or level position and simultaneously charging the mold, the period of charging being co extensive with the period of levelling movement of the mold.

A centrifugal casting apparatus. comrising a rotar "mold and instrumentalities or un forml istributing a charge of metal throughout t e body of the mold, including means for rotatingthe mold, and mechanism for imparting 'to the mold a supplemental n movement in a direction to modify the direcand, means t simult n uslycharge the mold with. molten metal over a period of time substantially co-extensive with the duration of such supplemental movement.

35. A centrifugal casting apparatus comprising a rotary mold mounted for movement between inclined and substantially-horizontal positions, a pouring ladle connected for, movement with the said mold, and mech? anism for moving the mold from the inclined .to the substantially horizontal position and simultaneously operating said ladle.

- 36. A. centrifugal casting apparatus comprising a rotary mold mounted for movement between inclined and substantially horizontal positions, a tiltable pouring ladle connected for movement with the said mold,

and mechanism fon moving the'mold from the inclined to the substantially horizontal position and simultaneously tilting said ladle. v 37. A centrifugal casting apparatus com.- prising a rotary mold, means for rotating thesame, means for imparting to the same -a movement supplemental to the rotary movement, and a pouring ladle connected to the mold so as to partake of the supplemental movement thereof, and'means operated b thesupplemental movement of the mold or operating the ladle to produce a pourinoperat on.

38. centrifugal casting apparatus comprisin a rotary mold, a support therefor movab e between inclined and substantially horizontal positions, a runner box carried b3 said support and associated with said mol a ladle also carried by said support and associated with said runner box, means for moving said support from the inclined to the horizontal position, and means operated by suchlast mentioned movement for operating the ladle to effect a pouring operation.

39. A centrifugal casting apparatus comation is effected during the period of move-' inclined position. I i

40. The step in the method ofcas'ting centrifugallyin tilting molds, which consists: in introducing the-molten metalin. 'afcon ment of the mold from the horizontal to the tinuous streamof a volume suchf-that the introduction of a selected charge 'will be, completed substantially simultaneously with" vnzo t lk the attainment ofthe moldto 'tion. The "step a in the method of. -cent ri fu gally casting hollow bodies in tiltingmolds,

which consists in regulating the flow'of molmovement of the mold from tilted to level position. v

42. The step in the method ofcasting centrifugally. in tilting molds, which consists in coordinating the operations of leveling and pouring to be coincident in time and coextensive'in duration.

43. The method of casting hollow bodies centrifugally in rotary molds, which consists in inclining the mold, leveling the mold.

quickly, and introducing a charge of molten metal coincidently in time, and coextensively induration with the leveling operation.

ten metal to the mold in accordance with the 44. The method of casting hollow bodies centrifugally in rotary molds, which consists in inclining the mold, leveling. the'mold quickly, and regulating the inflow of a charge of molten metal in accordance with the in? clination of the mold.

45. ,The method of casting hollow bodies centrifugally in rotary molds, which consists in inclining the mold, leveling the moldquickly, and introducing a charge of molten metal into the mold, coincidently in time and coextensively in duration w'th the'leveling operation, and while the mo (1 is rotating at a relatively low'speed, and afterwards rotating the mold at a relatively high speed.

46.;The method of casting hollow bodies centrifugally in rotary molds, which consists in inclining the mold, leveling the mold quickly, introducing a char e 'of molten metal coincidently in time an coextensively in duration with the leveling operation, and regulating the inflow of the metal in accordance with the inclination of themold:

47. In a centrifugal casting machine, a tilting mold, and mechanism for introducing molten metal into the mold operated by the movement of the mold to horizontal position.

48. In a centrifugal casting machine, a tilt-' ing mold, mechanism for introducing molten. metal into the mold operated by the movement of the mold to horizontal position, and a pouring spout into which the metal delivers for conducting the molten. metal to the mold.

49. In a centrifugal casting machine, a tilting mold, a tilting ladle for the molten lll) lie I metal at the elevated end of the mold, and

mechanism operated by the leveling of the mold to tilt the ladle, including a pouring spoutinto which the ladle delivers for-conducting the molten metal to the mold; and a common support for the ladle and the spout. 50. .In a centrifugal casting machine, a

tiltingmold, means to tilt'the mold, mechanismito introduce molten metal into the mold operated by the restoration o'f'the mold to horizontal position, and means to 'rotate the mold at a. selected speed tiring the .;duction of the molten metal.

51. a centrifugal'casting machine, a

tilting mold, means to tilt the mold, mechanism to introduce molten metal into the mold operated by the restoration of the mold to horizontal position, and means to rotate the 5 mold at a selected speed during the leveling thereof, and at a higher speed after such leveling.

52. In a centrifugal casting machine, a tilting mold, means to lift/one end of the mold thereby to tilt the-same, and mecha- 1 nism for introducing a charge of molten metal into the mold operated to introduce by the return of the mold to'level position.

Signed at Birmingham in the county of Jefferson and State of Alabama this 17th 15 day of December A. D. 1923.

7 WILLIAM D. MOORE.

WALTER MORGAN. 

